Army chief lauds 3ID for excellent job

From the Visayan Daily Star (Jun 2, 2023): Army chief lauds 3ID for excellent job (By GILBERT P. BAYORAN)

The Philippine Army has lauded its 3rd Infantry Division for a job well done in Western and Central Visayas, for launching focused military and intelligence operations that effectively weakened the capabilities and influence of the New People’s Army remnants in the two Visayas regions.

In a statement, Army chief Lt. Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. disclosed that the significant accomplishments of 3ID against the “enemies of the State” bespeak of their untiring efforts to support stability in their area of responsibility.

“Hence, I commend you for upholding excellence in the performance of your tasks,” Brawner, who was the guest of honor and speaker at the 3ID founding anniversary on May 31, said.

From May 2022 to May this year, the 3ID reported that it has launched 247 combat operations that resulted in 77 government-initiated encounters, with 46 rebels killed, whose cadavers were recovered at the encounter sites, 149 surrenders, while 13 others captured.

In the same period, 60 high powered firearms and 144 guns of other calibers were also recovered.

Almost all successful focused military operations of the 3ID took place in Negros Island, where majority of top rebel leaders had been neutralized, either killed or captured in gun battles and joint military and police operations.

Last week, AFP chief of staff Gen. Andres Centino also personally led the awarding of Gold Cross and Silver Cross medals to several members of the 62nd Infantry Battalion who figured in two encounters with rebel remnants in Moises Padilla, Negros Occidental, and Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental.

The three encounters led to the death of nine rebels, recovery of 15 guns, improvised antipersonnel mines, and other explosives.

Mayor Filomeno Reyes also issued a statement assuring the people of Guihulngan City that there is nothing to fear with the series of encounters in the hinterland areas.

“Everything is under control by our law enforcement authorities,” Reyes said.

He added that the city government is diligently monitoring developments, and is ready to assist affected civilians when necessary.

https://visayandailystar.com/army-chief-lauds-3id-for-excellent-job/